Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ screening cancelled; Kannada organizations against Vijay visiting Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Protests are intensifying in Karnataka following the dispute over the sharing of Cauvery water. Kannada organizations are raising strong opposition against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. The protesters are against Vijay entering Bengaluru without saying no to water. The organizations have also stated that if he comes, they will stop him at the airport.

In addition, there are severe protests in Karnataka against Vijay's film Jana Nayagan. The screening of the film has been stopped in many places following the protests. Some theaters in Mandya, Karnataka, have canceled the previously scheduled shows of the film.

The action comes after pro-Kannada organizations intensified their protests in Mandya in the wake of the Cauvery water sharing dispute. The protesters tore down the film's posters and staged protests in front of theaters. The authorities informed that these measures have been taken considering the security situation.

The protests have also adversely affected the screening of the film in the context of the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Cauvery issue. Meantime, the meeting of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu chief ministers will not happen. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has decided not to meet Vijay for now. Shivakumar will inform Vijay that there is no suitable situation for the discussion at present and that the meeting on Monday should be postponed.

D K Shivakumar responded that he is committed to protect the interests of the state. He also clarified that the next stand on the issue will be announced after the all-party meeting. Kannada organizations have called for a bandh in the state on August 13. The bandh will be from 6 am to 6 pm.